This policy paper is based on research on current policies to promote evidence-based policy making in terms of formulation, monitoring, and evaluation. The main focus of this policy paper is on the inconsistent implementation and evaluation of tourism policies/strategies, especially the process of defining evaluation requirements. However, in addition to this, the challenges arise due to the lack of capacities and budgets to evaluate policies, and the lack of regulation to secure transparency in the process of impact assessments.
Methodologically, this policy paper is built on the previously developed studies, “Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina: In-depth Analysis" and "Evidence-Based Policy Formulation and Implementation: A Conceptual, Methodological and Policy Model for the Tourism sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of Tourism.” Conclusions for this study draw from these previous research pieces, desk research and a literature review of policy-related documents, plus semi-structured interviews with key informants.
Starting with the problem posed by inconsistent tourism policies, this policy paper identifies three options, starting firstly with no policy changes, which would continue the status quo. The second option deals with the legal and strategic framework changes, institutional capacity building and increasing transparency to strengthen evidence-based preparation process. Finally, the third option assumes overall reform of the policy preparation process. Based on the financial, institutional and political criteria, we recommend the second policy option: Strengthening evidence-based preparation processes.
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